The Michigan Court of Appeals opened on January 12, 1965. In 2015, the Court is commemorating its 50th Anniversary, culminating with a celebration in April. Since its opening, 82 judges have served on the Court, the Court has issued over 151,700 dispositive opinions dealing with many of the most important legal issues that have faced the State of Michigan and its people, and the Court has been widely recognized as one of the premier intermediate appellate courts in the country.

Quotable Quotes

Judge Richard F. Suhrheinrich Submitted: October 7, 20146th Circuit US Court of Appeals“I was a young practicing attorney when the Michigan Court of Appeals was established. I remember T. John Lesinski, the Chief Judge, saying, ‘this Court is to be an attorney’s Court. It will endeavor to answer just the question before it quickly and thoroughly.’ I hope the Court and, for that matter, all courts, continue to follow those sentiments.”

Bruce W. Neckers Submitted: January 16, 2015

Past President, State Bar of Michigan

“The Michigan Court of Appeals, during its 50-year history, has performed a vital role by holding hearings and issuing opinions in virtually every appellate matter considered by the Michigan Courts. In doing so, it has served the people of the State of Michigan with dignity and justice.”

Justice James L. Ryan Submitted: January 17, 2015

Former Justice, Michigan Supreme Court

Inactive Judge, 6th Circuit US Court of Appeals

“We who, in 1965, labored at the bottom of the judicial totem pole, recognized that the new Court of Appeals would diminish the stature of the Circuit Courts but surely enhance the quality of justice for Michigan’s citizens. Time and the work of the Court of Appeals have proved us correct. Congratulations to the Court and all who have made it great.”

Thomas W. Cranmer Submitted: January 20, 2015

Past President, State Bar of Michigan

“Litigation is fraught with uncertainty. But when clients ask me to advise them regarding an appeal pending before the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Court’s dedication to a thorough, incisive, and reasoned view of each case allows me to assure them that whatever the ultimate outcome of their case, we will have had our day in court. I have no doubt that the Court’s sustained dedication to excellence will continue well into the future.”

Linda M. Garbarino Submitted: January 28, 2015

Past Chair – Appellate Practice Section

“At my first oral argument, I was of course quite nervous, but a court officer said something to me that I have always reflected on before subsequent oral arguments: ‘Just speak to the judges like they are people’ -- smart, educated people, of course, but people, nonetheless. This advice has always served me well.”

Justice David F. Viviano Submitted: February 2, 2015

Justice, Michigan Supreme Court

“Over the past 50 years, the Court of Appeals has been a leader in implementing administrative practices and new technologies to better serve litigants, and has been essential to the efficient administration of justice in the State of Michigan.”

Dennis W. Archer Submitted:February 10, 2015

Former Justice, Michigan Supreme Court

Former President of the American Bar
Association

“The
Michigan Court of Appeals, since its creation 50 years ago, has provided
litigants and lawyers with timely and quality opinions which resulted in an
enhanced respect for the rule of law.If
the Legislature will provide reasonable funding for our courts in Michigan and
our judiciary into the future, those who seek a resolution to their legal
issues will receive them quicker and more efficiently.”

Michael F. Cavanagh Submitted:February 9, 2015

Former Justice, Michigan Supreme Court

“During
the second year of the Court of Appeals’ existence, I had the privilege of
clerking for Thomas Giles Kavanagh and working with all nine original judges of
the Court.At that time, I did not
imagine that I would be sitting on the same Court when it expanded to eighteen
members.”

Bill Schuette Submitted:February 20, 2015

Attorney General

Former Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals

“I
have so many wonderful memories of my years of service as a Judge on the Michigan
Court of Appeals.Congratulations to my
colleagues on this tremendous occasion of celebrating 50 years of the Court.”

Rick Snyder Submitted:February 20, 2015

Governor, State of Michigan

“As
our Michigan Court of Appeals marks its 50th year of serving the citizens
of our State, I extend my personal thanks and congratulations to the staff of
the court and the 82 judges who have in the past and continue to today provide
justice with such distinction.”

Maura D. Corrigan Submitted: March 7, 2015Former Justice, Michigan Supreme CourtFormer Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals“Most of the ‘con-con’ delegates were World War II veterans, members of the Greatest Generation who protected our country against tyranny in wartime. In launching our ‘by-right’ Court of Appeals, the delegates and the people of Michigan modernized the administration of justice and protected the liberty and justice for all. May their dreams live on for generations upon generations!”

Kevin Cotter Submitted: March 13, 2015

Speaker of the House

Michigan House of Representatives

"Over the past 50 years, the Court of Appeals has grown immensely in stature, because Michigan residents trust it to deliver justice. Going forward, we all look forward to watching it continue to grow in service and wisdom."

A MATTER OF RIGHT - A History of the Michigan Court of Appeals

By Charles E. Harmon

This 102-page book covers the full history of the Michigan Court of Appeals, from its inception in the early 1960's through to the first days of the 21st Century. Dozens of photographs are juxtaposed with a recounting of each decade of the Court's existence. The book contains tables of Court statistics, charts of evolving district boundaries, summaries of significant cases and decisions from each period, biographies of judges and administrators, and interviews with current and former members of the Court.

A Matter of Right is available for purchase ($25.00 each) by sending a check or money order, made payable to the State of Michigan. Please enclose the name of the publication, as well as the quantity you would like to purchase, and mail to: